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Surgical management of growing skull fractures: How I do it
Manina M Etter1, Tamara Vernik2,3, Maria Licci2,3
1Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. ettermanina@gmail.com.
Insights
Growing skull fractures (GSF) are a rare complication in children, potentially causing neurological issues. Surgical repair using a fast-resorbable mesh offers an effective treatment for GSF.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurosurgery
- Craniofacial reconstruction
- Traumatic brain injury complications
Background:
- Growing skull fractures (GSF) are a rare sequela of linear skull fractures with dural tears in infants and children.
- GSF can lead to serious neurological complications such as encephalocele, hydrocephalus, and encephalomalacia.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for managing GSF and preventing long-term neurological deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a surgical technique for the management of growing skull fractures.
- To highlight the importance of dural and bony reconstruction in GSF treatment.
Main Methods:
- Surgical reconstruction of the dura and skull defect.
- Utilizing a fast-resorbable polymer mesh for repair.
Main Results:
- The described surgical technique effectively manages growing skull fractures.
- Dural and bony reconstruction with a fast-resorbable polymer mesh leads to successful outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Growing skull fractures can be effectively treated with surgical dural and bony reconstruction.
- Fast-resorbable polymer mesh is a suitable material for GSF repair.
- Prompt surgical intervention is key to preventing neurological sequelae from GSF.
Background:
Growing skull fractures (GSF) represent a rare complication following linear traumatic skull fractures with an underlying dural tear, mainly occurring during infancy and early childhood. GSF can cause encephalocele, hydrocephalus, or encephalomalacia, potentially leading to long-term neurological sequelae. Therefore, prompt diagnosis and early treatment is paramount.
Methods:
We outline our surgical reconstruction technique for managing GSF.
Conclusion:
GSF is effectively treated with a dural and bony reconstruction, using a fast-resorbable polymer mesh.
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